Object Details
maker
Keuffel & Esser Co.
Description
This wooden case is covered with black leather that has tooling on the lid. The lid is marked: 12. The case has a steel locking pin. Inside the case is lined with green silk and velvet. A label inside the lid is marked: JAMES SMITH, (/) ARCHITECT (/) 20 BATH ROAD. The set includes:
1) 6-1/8" German silver drawing compass with bendable legs and removable pencil point, leg extension, and pen point. Inside of one leg is marked: KEUFFEL & ESSER N.Y. Each piece is marked: 12.
2) 4-1/4" German silver drawing compass with bendable legs and removable pencil point and pen point. Inside of one leg is marked: KEUFFEL & ESSER N.Y. Each piece is marked: 12.
3) 4-3/4" ebony, German silver, and steel drawing pen.
4) 3-3/4" German silver and steel drawing pen. The handle is broken and missing.
5) 1-1/8" cylindrical metal case with four leads. The case is marked: EAGLE PENCIL CO. (/) NEW YORK.
6) 3-1/2" German silver and steel bow dividers, bow pen, and bow pencil.
The case for leads and the broken pen are probably not part of the original set. At least two original instruments are missing. No case exactly like this one or with the catalog number "12" was found in Keuffel & Esser catalogs between 1880 and 1943. Descendants of James Smith donated the set in 1965.
Location
Currently not on view
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. & Mrs. W. H. Smith
date made
late 19th century
ID Number
MA.326518
accession number
260029
catalog number
326518
Object Name
drawing instruments, set of
Physical Description
wood (overall material)
leather (overall material)
fabric (overall material)
german silver (overall material)
steel (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 2.5 cm x 24.3 cm x 12.4 cm; 31/32 in x 9 9/16 in x 4 7/8 in
place made
Germany
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Mathematics
Science & Mathematics
Drawing Instruments
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Subject
Mathematics
Drafting, Engineering
Architecture
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_1122147